> for my new sTation

Author: aLmich
 

> eLevator sCene

Author: aLmich
 

> anoTher biTch encounTer

Author: aLmich

Ryan mentioned her name again. I dont want to hate her again. I just wanna forget her.
So, you know how Oprah did a segment on The Secret?

Okay, maybe you didn't know that. Maybe you don't watch Oprah. I mean, I don't even watch Oprah all that often. I'm just getting off at work when it comes on and religiously programming it just seems kind of...well, lame.

The thing is, this whole business about positive thinking...well, when you have a negative thought creep in [i.e. this morning when you're still groggy with sleep and it's another Monday morning and all you can think is, "Is this my life?"] it's easy to see how that snowballs.

The woman who sits next to me inside the FX is extremely negative. I don't wish to listen but she talked too loud for everyone to cover their ears.
It's kind of annoying.
I hate it when someone's such a Debbie Downer.

Why can't people just suck it up, you know? Just get on with your life, instead of whining ad nauseum about it all the time. I mean, you're just asking to be punched in the face at that point.
I also find it annoying when people refuse to try things, but feel like it's perfectly okay to bitch and moan about it. Like, how do you know something sucks until you've at least tried it out first, you know?

God.

People are so fucking stupid sometimes.
Like this one person whose name popped out again, who for some unexplainable reasons enjoys bitching and shitting around.

Hello! It's common courtesy to at least realize how your friends been good to you, and that they have your secrets so give them a head's up at the very least. Like, what the hell? Were you raised by a pack of animals in the wild or something?

I hate Rien Adducul, I'm supposed to just forget about her and forgive her but her shittiness still roams like venom, ready to wear out anyone.

And well, there I got again with the bitching and moaning.
I swear to God I'm not this tedious in real life.

 

> happy burp-day candY!

Author: aLmich
 

> rO and rain's birThday

Author: aLmich
 

> miSsing minDorO

Author: aLmich
 

> Burp-day

Author: aLmich
 

> mOod shifTs

Author: aLmich

Life these times as they say is worth all the trouble. Even if there is a greater world that awaits us beyond this polluted planet, still living on Earth is a blast. I don't mean to be a wordly creature [don't get me wrong Lord God], I just want to be thankful.

Gosh... my mood swings are terribly swinging... *heheheh. Out of sorts. Last week, it was off. But now, I sort of like my life again. That's how life goes! And that's me maybe.

I'm just thankful that once in awhile, when the drama queen inside me would vent and cry out loud, there are friends who would keep me sane and struggle with me.

Despite my paranoia and my obsessive-compulsive behavior, I still feel loved. I am thankful to God for giving me people who can put up with my tantrums, who can live up with my nagging... etcetera, etcetera.

Once in a while we feel down and depressed. I for once thought I have manic depression. Somehow, I thought it's just our angels knocking our hearts to see that we have someone to run to. It can be directly God, but sometimes he'd send someone to make our frustrations bearable. Someone who would make us feel safe, someone who would make us feel beautiful, someone who would make us feel worth all the trouble.

And that is why LIFE is worth all the trouble. Because there's God. Because he sends angels that would carry us when we're about to fall the shit hole of life.

 

> surVey

Author: aLmich

1. WHAT CURSE WORD D0 Y0U USE?
~ PI, PI! paksyet!

2. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO NOW?
~ Umbrella : KC concepcion version

3. WHO IS THE PERSON YOU TALK TO THE MOST?
~ Ate Erlynn

4. WHAT TIME IS Y0UR ALARM CL0CK SET?
~ 1:30am

5. DO YOU WEAR FLIP FLOPS WHEN IT'S COLD?
~ yeah and dopie too

6. W0ULD Y0U RATHER TAKE THE PICTURE 0R BE IN THE
PICTURE?
~ be in the picture but since I take good picture ako palagi taga-kuha

7.WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE Y0U WATCHED?
~ Rush Hour 3

8. D0 ANY OF Y0UR FRIENDS HAVE CHILDREN?
~ A lot of them

9. HAS ANY0NE EVER CALLED Y0U LAZY?
~ Naman!

10. D0 YOU EVER TAKE MEDICATI0N T0 HELP Y0U FALL
ASLEEP?
~ Litec - courtesy of Mikee

11. WHAT CD IS CURRENTLY IN Y0UR CD PLAYER?
~ I just hame mp3s on my phone

12. D0 Y0U PREFER REGULAR 0R CHOCOLATE MILK?
~ Regular milk

13. HAS ANY0NE T0LD Y0U A SECRET THIS WEEK?
~ Gretch... juicy ones!

14. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD STARBUCKS?
~ Yesterday, 1 from Gateway Mall and another sa Adriatico

15. CAN Y0U WHISTLE?
~ Yup,singaw nga lang

16.D0 YOU THINK PE0PLE TALK AB0UT Y0U BEHIND YOUR
BACK?
~ I think think this is everyone's favorite hobby

17. DID Y0U WATCH CARTO0NS AS A CHILD?
~ Sobra!

18. WHAT M0VIE D0 YOU KNOW EVERY LINE TO?
~ I want you to paint me like... - Titanic

19. D0 YOU 0WN ANY BAND T-SHIRTS?
~ No

20. IS ANY0NE IN LOVE WITH Y0U?
~ Sabi niya

21. DO YOU DO YOUR OWN DISHES?
~ Most of the time

22. EVER CRIED IN PUBLIC?
~ Yeah, this girl even offered me peanuts so I'll stop crying... as if I'm a kid that can be bribed with candy.

23. ARE Y0U 0N A DESKT0P COMPUTER 0R A LAPTOP?
~ desktop sa office laptop sa house

24. ARE Y0U CURRENTLY WANTING ANY PIERCINGS 0R
TATTO0S?
~ Yup! 1 more on my right ear and tattoo on my left arm

31. WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
~ Humid

32. W0ULD Y0U EVER DATE S0ME0NE C0VERED IN TATTO0S?
~ Maybe

33. WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THIS?
~ Update www.babyearwood.blogspot.com

34. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU SLEPT ON THE COUCH?
~ Last thursday

35. H0W MANY H0URS OF SLEEP D0 YOU NEED TO FUNCTION?
~ 5 hours

36. D0 Y0U EAT BREAKFAST DAILY?
~ Yeah!, my shift starts at 3am so breakfast is at 5am

37. ARE Y0UR DAYS FULL AND FAST PACED?
~ Full and fast paced

38. D0 YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE CAL0RIES IN THE
FOOD YOU EAT?
~ I'd like to

39. D0 Y0U USE SARCASM?
~ A lot

40. H0W 0LD WILL Y0U BE TURNING ON Y0UR NEXT BIRTHDAY?
~ I stopped counting at 20

41. ARE Y0U PICKY AB0UT SPELLING AND
GRAMMAR?
~ Uhum, but I commit the same

42. HAVE Y0U EVER BEEN TO SIX FLAGS?
~ I'll be

43.D0 YOU GET AL0NG BETTER WITH THE
SAME SEX 0R THE OPPOSITE SEX?
~ Both

44.BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND?
~ Boyfriend

45.D0 Y0U SLEEP 0N Y0UR SIDE OR BACK?
~ Either

46. D0 Y0U WATCH THE NEWS?
~ Everyday

47. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET
IT?
~ Right knee [bakokang sa province]

48. WH0 WAS THE LAST PERS0N T0 MAKE Y0U CRY?
~ Rien Adducul

49. D0 YOU LIKE ANYB0DY?
~ Friend-like [Jc], Love-like [Chris]

50. HOW'S THE SURVEY?
~ Tedious

MORE...

1.first 2 words/letters that pops in ur mind now?
~ none

2. name 3 of your crazy friends
~ Rain, Gretch and Cez

3. what's your favorite number/s?
~ 7

4. what was the first thing you did after waking up?
~ Checked my phone

5. last number of your cell number?
~ 2 and 5 [i have two]

6. who was the first person that came to your mind
as you woke up this morning?
~ **

7. who was the last person to make you feel kilig?
~ **

8.what song is on your mind right now?
~ Wonderful

9. who do you want to call on your cellphone?
~ None

10. Are you in love?
~ I think

11. what color/s do you like?
~ I just love colors so lahat

12. last song that you sang:
~ Catch me I'm falling.. - to tease Gretch

13. do you like to sing?
~ Yeah

14. have you ever been to Baguio, Phils?
~ A lot

15. what was the last song that you danced to?
~ Can't remember

16. favorite songs:
~ Now? Christmas songs

17. bakit mo sinagutan ang survey na ito?
~ Trip

18. asan ka ngayon?
~ Home

19. last person you e-mailed.
~ Myself

20. have you been to disneyLand?
~ Yes, HK Disbeyland

21.how often do you buy load?
~ 7[p300] per month

22.who's the last person in your phonebook?
~ 2putok

23. if you were given a chance to visit another country?
~ I will shop to death

24. name the person that you want to fall for you
at this moment?
~ **

 

> in BED with JC

Author: aLmich



I thought I'd be having a boring Saturday night. After the gimik with my new friends [myah, gretch, ryan, sir knowel and the newest - Jc], I woke up with a serious hang-over and a series of shaking and perspiring moment. The night's ka-booze plus the fact that I haven't slept for almost 2 days drops my knees. I opened my eyes and saw that I was inside my room and my head cracking and pounding like crazy. Suddenly, the party we had came flashing back. Actually, I was having second thoughts of going to Jarvis' birthday party, number one because my work ends around 12 and that the party starts at 4. Second, I have nothing to wear and third, I'm so tired to party and I would just like to doze and slumber on my bed the whole day. But I have to go because that's Diana, one of our ka-buenas.

And so I found myself, giggling and enjoying the night after the birthday party. I have not been going out for quite sometime. I suddenly bacame a stranger there. Malate crowd didn't change that much but I felt I really missed it. After Giligan's drinking session, the BED party was a blast. I somehow felt strange and alone but Jc made sure we'll enjoy the night. And for that, salamat! *hehehe I know the post' title will be gathering some raised brows but I don't care, try to get a life!

 

> breaKinG monoTony

Author: aLmich


Worrying kills you... well this is the mantra that I keep on repeating to myself each day. Aside from talking [*okray], I guess this is one of my greatest talent! I worry about lots of things from the smallest detail to the biggest creation in the world. Who can I blame? Bad experiences? They say charge it to experience... you bet! You learn from these things... I learn nothing but to worry. Even when I'm happy, I worry. I worry that after laughing out loud, I'd cry the next day. Pathetic huh?

Sometimes my worrying worries me... see?! Like when I ride the bus, whenever someone hides his hands in his jacket, it gives me the feeling that he has a gun or a knife. I even thought I saw someone pick-pocketing someone. Either that or I'm delusional!

There are more to that story, which at some point is an advantage because I'm vigilant and alert. But it causes me a great deal of trouble. I worry riding buses along EDSA, I don't ride "bulok", "mahinang ilaw" taxi cab, I don't ride tinted FX, I don't ride jeepneys which have small windows and goon-looking men... and the list goes on and on.

This "worrying thing" or it may come close to paranoia- is also affecting my personal relationship with other people and with myself. I worry about my future, I worry about my family if their safe, I worry if my friends are safe and if they are really "true" friends, I worry if my boyfriend is loyal to me or not... I worry about anything under the sun.

Right now, I'm worrying because I'm happily inlove. It has never been like this before, trust me! Life hasn't been to good to me in this aspect of life. But now that it seems like I have found the right one, I am worrying again... worrying that tomorrow it's a different story. Though
I trust the guy [as in I really do] this monster lurking inside my brain is slowly killing me.

I don't want to be afraid of riding the bus, jeep, or taxi. I don't want to live afraid that my loved ones are not safe. I don't want to constantly think if I turned off the gas or if I pulled the plug of the tv. I dont want to be afraid of loving too much, I don't want to worry about losing him.

I just want to live in peace.

Whew! Fidgety ME.

Good thing of course that we still have things in life that could somehow break this monotonous way of living. Yesterday, I went out to attend Diana's Jarvis' birthday. It was so cool and I really enjoyed it. Gretch, Myah, Ryan and Jc kept me company. The good day didn't just end there. Soon we headed to Giligans Makati with Sir Knowel joining us. After couple of drinks, Ryan left for he has previous commitment to attend to, Jc followed through. The remaining group then continued the night over a cup of coffee at Starbucks Adriatico. After a while, Jc rejoined us to a bar - BED. Imagine what perspired? that I'll leave to your imaginations *hehehe.

And ooppsss.. Here's some.






 

> dwaYne's tarP

Author: aLmich
 

> myaH

Author: aLmich
 

> jarVis' invitatioN

Author: aLmich
 

> neW-fouNd frienDshiP

Author: aLmich


For quite sometime I have been writing incessantly about pain and my anguished heart. Probably because it's easier to write when your lonesome. Words would just float in your head. But when your happy, there are no words to describe it.

But what I am really trying to get at is... I'm surviving.

I clearly remember these lines - People's choices are pretty much affected by what media has to say. Our minds have been corrupted by the standards of media. It has also affected the way we choose our partner in life. We look for someone who has "long, black and silky hair", healthy and buff, someone who's rich, has a good career, and has a big name in society... all these and other superficial things that will eventually fade in time.

Because of these "substandard standards", we have witnessed weak marriages, easily destroyed by problems and temptations. The most important thing in choosing a partner in life is to find someone that you can talk to, someone that you can communicate with.

I can think I can also say I'm quite blessed and should not complain so much. I'm enjoying my new found friends. I have Gretch, Myah, Nikki, Mikee and Ms. Kate from Academix. The past, present and future involving Ryan *tsalap tsalap. I'm totally over Rien's kasamaan dahil na-evic na siya sa bahay ni Kuya *hehehe.

This moved me... bigtime...

 

> for posting

Author: aLmich
 

> spicY

Author: aLmich


The weather's killing me, It's been sizzling hot during the day, And then all the sudden it's like Arctic at night. I need to figure something to warm myself up, Something yummy, something sour and spicy!

Here's my resolution, sour and spicy group over food binge-ing.

 

> try this

Author: aLmich
 

> a differenT pRoM

Author: aLmich
 


It happens to most people. From time to time, you feel your career has run into a dead end. The same way just happened to me. I felt like I'm doing the same thing, saying the same words and breathing the same air. Good thing I was transferred to a new campaign.

I keep mouthing the same complains and whining over and over again. Trouble is, that can have a toxic effect and infect the organisation, or at least those who are working around you. People who feel their career has stalled can turn really negative. They pour cold water over everything, and they can end up bad mouthing everything and everyone. That makes it a big challenge not only for the employer but for the person feeling that the thrill has gone.

So what are the tell-tale signs?

Red flags include you doing the same thing you were doing three years ago, not investing anything in developing your skills over the last 12 months, not adding anything to your pocket for the last 18 months, dreading coming into work every Monday morning, and watching the best assignments getting farmed out to other people. Add to that a blog entry I did earlier this year on warning signs telling you when it's time to chuck in your job.

Are there any other signs? Do you feel your career has stalled? What's gone wrong? Besides quitting, is there any other way of fixing it and getting back on track?

One of the best advise I could probably give is developing good frienship on your workplace. Lucky me, I was given the chance to meet some whom you can really consider as "barkada" or should I say - my ka-buenas?

 

> Let's do the baiLeys!!

Author: aLmich


I came from a group of "childhood friends" who usually enjoy late nights of okrayan, tawanan, kantahan and talunan over some alak and pulutan. In fact, my good friend - rOan enjoys taking pictures and even making videos of the inumans.


We've come a long way when it comes to the alaks we shared. From gin-pom, macho drink at Quattro's, to SanMig light, super dry to Matador na tinatakal sa takip na tinuhog ng tinidor [*har har har!]. I don't know but I somehow fancied the works aside from my secret surreal wish of being barista.While I was doing some picture layouts on Ate Erlynn's, I came across one cool post about a somehow sosi inumin... galing niya and so I thought of posting it.
Boracay daw daw tawag dito sabi ni Ate.

Ma-try nga.
Nakatikim ka na ba ng Baileys? Yung mahal na inumin na halos Php 400 yung isang 500ML na bote.
Yung lasang mocha na may konting pait ng alcohol na nakaka-adik inumin kung mahilig ka sa tsokolate.
Kung hindi pa, meron akong irererekomenda sa yo. Ito ang tinatawag na GATAKA, o GAtas, TAnduay, at KApe.
Sin-sarap ng Baileys pero di sing mahal.
At mas malakas pa ang tama nito!
Ang kakailanganin mo lamang ay ang mga ito:

- 1 condensed milk
- 3 Nescafe coffee sachet (yung pahaba na purong puro)
- 1 longneck Tanduay (pero mas recommend ko yung Generoso Brandy sa manamis-tamis nitong lasa)
- Tubig at Yelo pampa-neutralize ng lasa

Ihalo sa malaking pitsel.
Tantyahin nyo na lang kung gaano ka-tapang ang gusto nyong inumin.
Dagdagan ng tubig kung masyadong matapang.

Serve chilled and with cherry para mas sosi ang dating.
*Ayus diba?

 


Evenings at the province are best spent outdoors... biking through the community, playing patintero, having a lot of daldalans with neighbors while grilling some meat or fishes, or just sitting on the beach on a friday. This is when magkakamag-anaks meet each other.
Same thing happened when Matt was still here in the Philippines. I, Bj and Matt grilled some beef for dinner at the same time munching grapes and Matt having a bottle of beer. The night went pretty hilarious when Ate Erlynn joined us. Whew! what a night to enjoy... It just doesn't get much better.

 

> earWood famiLy

Author: aLmich
 

> i reaLized...

Author: aLmich




You know what I realized today?

I was going to complain about doctors and nurses wearing their scrubs out in public, but I realized I'd complained about that before. I wonder if I maybe complaining too much. It's such a way of life with me now. And that's not good, right? I mean, those are just steps away from becoming an ornery, crochety old woman that kids run away from.

I don't know.

The last couple of days haven't been good ones. You just wake up and it's like you're moving around in a fog, you know? It's not so much that you're having a bad day...just a day that seems pointless.

When C called yesterday, I didn't even bother answering. I didn't care who it was on the other end. I just pretended I didn't hear the phone ringing because I just didn't feel like talking to anybody --- especially when people always seem to think something's wrong just because you don't feel like talking to anybody or doing anything or seeing anyone.

Some days, you just want to be left alone, you know?
Maybe it's the depression kicking in again.
I even resorted to just taking pictures with my friends.

I think I need to go on vacation.

 

> for ouR desKtop

Author: aLmich



I've been transferred to another program at last! [*whew! what a relief..]
I've long been requesting for that. And now I'll be calling Academix Direct. A lead generation type wherein we call people who have plans of pursing college. We then provide 3 universities that have matched their criteria.

I just love the fact that I'm into something new. I wont be selling internet advertising, telephone subscription nor pushing for natural gas anymore. We'll just be verifying informations and then refer them to US universities and Colleges. A li'l bit of this, that and a lot of chit chat!

And more thing, I have Gretch , Myah, Ms. Diana too!
What more can I ask for?

 

> preTend thaT he's gonE

Author: aLmich


Dreamt about [let's call him] C last night --- which bothers me because I hadn't thought about him in a really long time.

You know when you start feeling like you're in a good place and that you've actually started to move on, but then you find yourself thinking about someone you just wish you could erase from your memory... sort of like what Jim Carrey tried to do in "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind".

Sometimes, I think that if I could completely erase C from my mind, I would. But that was before --- before, when I used to wish he'd get an STD or that his career would fall apart or that he'd just do me a favour and fucking leave Manila, you know?

It's weird how bitterness can just turn you into this horrible kind of person, you know? You get so stuck in feeling bad.

I once read, "Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

No shit.

That's exactly how I was living.

But now? Yeah, the dream kind of shook me up, but I can see now that maybe I should be glad that things turned out the way that they did. Who'd want to be with a horrible person who didn't recognize your worth, anyway? If you were still with that person, you'd never be open and available to meet the person you're supposed to be with.

That sort of thing.

If I had to see him now, I don't think I'd even have the energy to say anything to him. I'd rather we just both pretended the other didn't exist anymore.

Sometimes, pretending just makes it easier.

 

> Let's be niCe todaY

Author: aLmich



"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

On my way home today, traffic was bumper to bumper, the traffic lights seem to be sira na naman and coffee had dripped from the cheap paper cup onto my clean white shirt yet I tried to smile and control the PI word come out of my mouth. I was getting into the swing of things for "Random Acts of Kindness Week".

Yes, it's more than a slogan on a bumper sticker. It doesn't really matter what you do; kindness comes in all shapes and sizes. Maybe you can help an old lady cross the street, bring in your neighbor's trash cans, or help a stranger change a tire. Hahaha am I nuts? I'm not, mabait lang talaga ako today. If you have trouble thinking of something, approach me [*hehehe].

It would be best to just let it be a mystery.

However you spread kindness this week, have fun and smile.

 

> celebrate singLehood

Author: aLmich

"Although I'm rarely accused of "having good timing" [or tact, for that matter], it seems that my luck has finally turned: Today I've parted ways with the jerk, er, guy I was seeing, just in time for the nonstop thrill ride that is National Singles Week. Er, excuse me -- National Unmarried and Singles Americans Week. Because I am nothing if not a serious investigative journalist, I did a hard-hitting piece on the phenomenon that's sweeping our nation: Celebrating being single during an assigned week! Most reporters would shy away from such a controversial subject. Not me. It's all about the story, people. With that, today's column, Party of One. Cue "All By Myself."

Party of one

If you're one of the 95 million Americans who stubbornly refuse to join in wedded bliss, the commemorative holiday you've been feverishly anticipating is finally here. That's right, spouse-less slackers, it's National Unmarried And Single Americans Week! Possessors of a marriage license, get thee to the sleepy bedroom 'burbs. This week is NOT for you!
As for the rest -- I know it's difficult to contain your exuberance.

You've no doubt already planned several rollicking events, probably involving whipped cream and speed dating.

You've no doubt already planned several rollicking events, probably involving whipped cream and speed dating. After all, times when you can officially celebrate not having a ball & chain come but once a year. [Excluding bachelor parties. Obviously.]

The esteemed holiday was founded in 1984 by a courageous group of Ohioans called the Buckeye Singles Council, who clearly had too much free time on their [ring-less] hands. Disgruntled with the smug marrieds in their state, they decided that they just wouldn't stand for it anymore.No longer....

No longer would they ignore the blatant favoritism accorded to those with marriage certificates!
No longer would they put up with the inferior status of those without contractual agreements sealed with large, expensive parties involving multi-tiered cakes!

No longer would they answer their mother's insistent phone calls about "that nice Jewish orthodontist"!

They retaliated by proclaiming that forthwith, the third week in September would be reserved solely for honoring unmarried people throughout the nation as well as creating awareness of the rampant discrimination against their kind.

Oh, you think the unattached don't really suffer discrimination? I bet you're married, you single-hater!Stigma and embarrassment.

According to one dating expert I spoke with, "There is still a stigma and embarrassment about being alone."

Yeah! Here's to all the stigmatized, embarrassed singles out there. Grab your cats and a bottle of warm white wine and raise a toast to life without joint tax returns, "checking in," and mandatory visits with ugly in-laws.

"This week single people are finally given permission to actually get out and enjoy themselves," the expert explained.

Permission?
Singles are the only people who DON'T need permission to go enjoy themselves!
Singles are the only people who DON'T need permission to go enjoy themselves!
Beyond that, how should we losers without wedding bands celebrate this momentous occasion? Alcohol, nudity, repeated trips to Scores?
According to the expert, we can "get a good night's sleep, hang out with friends, or go for a great haircut."
Personally, I was leaning towards the alcohol and nudity, but okay. I guess a haircut sounds nice too.
And of course, nothing says "I'm going all out to properly commemorate National Unmarried and Single Americans Week" like getting a good night's sleep.
I knew this was going to be the Best Week Ever."

--Julia Allison [http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/datingtips/39619/party-of-one]

*kulit no?

 


I was browsing through friend's blogpages and got inspired with one of the background music. An Original Pilipino Music entitled “San Na Nga Bang Barkada Ngayon”. Roan, used the same for a video made for our batch. This inspired me to look for pinoy mp3s on the web.

In my search, I came across the songs of Eraserheads and Rivermaya. I decided to download most of the songs I knew and listened. I didn’t realize how this could just bring back so many good memories from the not so distant past.

First I was listening to The Eraserheads’ tracks from its Ultra Electro Magnetic Pop Album [their very first]. I got this album when I was still in hayskul. My classmates, who was still trying to find their music identity at that time, also wanted this album and so we shared same moments of senti and kanta along our ways home. The tracks included songs like “Toyang”, “Pare Ko”,”Tindahan Ni Aling Nena”, and “Ligaya”.

We could sing along with the songs knowing the lyrics of each one of them since they were very easy to learn. Those were the best years I had bonding with my ka-baste98.

I’ve always loved the Pinoy alternative music especially the ones I grew up with. These were bands like The Eraserheads, Rivermaya, True Faith, Put3ska, *heck, even Yano, The Youth [remember Multong Bakla?], and that band who sang that psycho song “Lakas Tama”. Those were the Pinoy bands of my time. Club Dredd was the place to be for Pinoy rock and every claimed-to-be-punk in our class obliged to have the bar's shirt, and that other rock band place somewhere near UST in España [Mayrics?].

I never went to both places and only heard them from my older guy cousins or titos who would go there and watch. Only them were allowed to go there.

I remember some of my girlfriends decided to go to a Pulp Magazine sponsored concert in Manila. They were surprised to find themselves being thrown in a the mosh pit but terribly enjoyed the whole experience. This was one of the things I didn’t experience in my youth. Being thrown in a mosh pit and crowd surfing. I would still want to do it for the thrill of it.

As I grow older, my taste for music has become more diverse and yet, I still feel like I’m home when I listen to OPM Rock.

Even now, everytime the baste98 meets, kantahan while toma sa tunog ng E-heads ang isa sa pinakamasaya. We have all developed this love and great friendship sa isa't isa kasabay sa tunog ng gitara. Hanggang ngayon buong-buo pa rin kami. Malayo man ang iba, we know that the kapusong-Baste remains in our hearts.

Now, that IS an accomplishment.

 

> mag-exeRcise tayo!

Author: aLmich

This entry has long been delayed but I'm posting it anyway.

A friend sent me a link of a video aptly titled “The Prison Break Dance”. I was amused to see that it was the whole “Thriller” dance routine by Michael Jackson was performed by 1,500 Filipino prisoners at CPDRC [Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Cente]. I went to YouTube and searched for more videos and found out that the CPDRC Prison inmates have been doing several other “performances” as their daily morning exercise! This was spearheaded by security consultant, Byron F. Garcia, who realized that music help “drastically” improve inmates behaviour.

[video]

I think the idea is brilliant. Where else can you find not only dancing cooks and waiters but also prison inmates doing song and dance production as their morning routine? Only in the Philippines! Kidding aside, I give props to Mr. Garcia for being able to mobilize a whole prison and make the inmates participate in this project. Morning exercises never looked so much fun and entertaining!

 

My ofis-besfrends have long been asking me to make wallpapers for their desktop and cellphones. And since I can't sleep, I gave in... *hehehe


 

> bunTis cHronicLe

Author: aLmich

Matt arrived from the States early today...
Siyempre si Ate excited...

 

Imagine waking up every day at 8PM and heading to work until 7AM. Would you be able to adapt to working nights and sleeping when the sun is up? There's a reason they call it the graveyard shift, but for the increasing number of callcenter/shift workers in the Philippines, overnight jobs and constantly changing schedules are a reality that cannot be avoided.

Understandably, many may be tempted to live on a steady dose of caffeine or prescription stimulant medications just like I do. I can't start my day wthout a venti Cafe Americano or a Mocha Frappe with a shot of espresso. But these can only help for so long and come with some side effects. How can you naturally adjust to an unusual sleeping pattern?

Sleeping When the Sun is Up
The key to adjusting your sleeping pattern lies in changing your body's circadian rhythm, a sort of natural alarm clock that helps to regulate your hormones, body temperature, heart rate and other functions to the rhythm of the day. This circadian clock is normally timed to the earth's natural light and dark cycles, which is perfect for the regular office job. But for people who work in industries that require round-the-clock employees, like the police force, hospital system, call centers, newsrooms and mining companies, this clock needs to be reset.

Resetting your circadian clock takes a bit of work, however. For overnight workers, once the body gets used to being up at night and sleeping during the day, things get a bit easier. But for those with a constantly-changing schedule, also called a rotating shift, the circadian clock has a tough time constantly readjusting. It is this last type of shift work that tends to be most taxing on the body.

Graveyard workers are of course prone to being asleep at work. These workers are more likely to experience stomach problems, colds, flu, weight gain, heart problems and higher blood pressure caused as a result of the stresses that shift work can put on a person's mind and body.

However, there are some things you can do to get a good night—or day—of sleep before heading off to work.

Start a Bedtime Ritual
It is recommended that shift workers should create an environment that will allow them to relax and sleep easily.

Take a warm bath or listen to soothing music.
I, personally have a bunch of sweet rhythms and [*get this] Christmas songs downloaded on my shuffle or cellphone.
Avoid caffeine within 5 hours of bedtime. [*through which I'm having problem because my Ate Erlynn and I are just coffee addicts even at home]

Avoid over-stimulating mental activities shortly before bed, such as a reading an exciting book or working on a crossword puzzle.

Lower the temperature in your bedroom to help you sleep. [*so kelangan may aircon!]
Use light-blocking blinds or wear eye shades. [*aside from the usual curtains, I have a blanket to cover our room and I also have an eye cover to totally block any light coming through]
Keep a fan on or wear ear plugs to block out ambient noise.
Keep Alert at Work
Be sure to wake up well before your shift begins just in case you are a bit drowsy. If you need a cup of coffee to get you going, just be sure to only drink caffeinated beverages early on in your shift so it doesn't interfere with sleep later. Interacting with coworkers can also help keep your mind alert, as can short bursts of exercise such as climbing the stairs or taking a brisk walk.

If you feel drowsy on the ride home, don't fight it: be sure to pull over to the side of the road. [*pang-mayaman 'to kse kelangan may kotse] Carpooling can help ensure that you get home safely.

Eat Well [*hmmm]
Callcenters and hospitals dependent on shift workers will often operate a limited part of in-house cafeterias during the overnight hours. Beyond that, vending machines and greasy diners are the only other options. Bring a meal from home whenever possible. Munching on carrots or other crunchy vegetables can also help keep you alert. Some experts suggest eating smaller portions throughout the day instead of three large meals to avoid a shift worker's tendency to get heartburn and other stomach problems. But realize that there will be the temptation to join your family for a heavy dinner when you're first waking up.
Make Time for Your Family
While shift work can allow you to be home during the day, it can leave little time to spend with family who may be at work or school. Set up a schedule that will allow you to spend some time with your loved-ones. Whether it's always reading your daughter a bedtime story before heading off to work or spending Sunday shopping with your wife, shift work doesn't mean the end of a cohesive family. [* i might do this na rin kse Ate's having a baby anytime this week]

Weekends can be especially hard, as you will want to take advantage of the time to spend some daylight hours with friends or family. While experts stress the importance of maintaining your sleep schedule, it's simply impossible for most to keep it up through the weekend. Just be sure that family and friends understand your situation so that they are respectful of the time you do have to spend with them and the time you choose to spend asleep. [* dito pumapasok ang mga taong walang habas kung magtxt! punyeta!]

Without the stress of rush hour traffic or the monotony of a nine-to-five job, shift work can be appealing to many people. And by adding a strong routine to your overnight or shifting work schedule, you can stay healthy, too.

So people stay healthy! Live a normal life even with the abnormal situation. Afterall, you're paid better naman diba?

Lovelife and sexlife? that can be worked on.

 

> neW perKs

Author: aLmich

Things will be a bit different for me. Instead of the usual 10pm-7am workload, I'll be on a 3am-12pm sked now. I've been given the opportunity to be transferred to a new program as I have long wished. This is way cool for me since I typically worked 10-7 ever since... it's like getting a bunch of free time every week and better working habit I hope.
So lemme think of new perks to spice up my new found life. I'm excited!
Now.... what to do with all that time off?
*zzzZzzZzzzzzZzzz

 

> wHen and wHere?

Author: aLmich


So, according to AskMen.com, women give terrible relationship advice and men should perfect the art of blowing off a girl.

Great.

I don't know why I'm even reading this. It's just making me feel like, "You know what? Let's not bother with this. You're not even straight! Future spinsterhood, here I come!"

I don't know... maybe they're onto something, though. Sometimes, when my female friends are giving me advice, I sort of feel like I can't really trust what they're saying.

Like Samantha on Sex and the City said to Carrie, "Honey, we're as fucked up as you are. It's like the blind leading the blind."

So far, what I've been doing is this: nothing. Okay. That's not true. I've been trying to assess the situation. You don't want to chase after someone who's just gotten out of a relationship. But how long do you wait? And how do you carefully lay down the groundwork so that you're seen as someone they should seriously consider dating?
Hmmm... this is promising. I may not be straight but it can work either way isn't it? And pullleeeaaazzzeee... look at the guy, he's crying for me. I can't just leave him. *sigh

I don't know.

 

> baby sLide

Author: aLmich
 

> i'm jusT so haPpy..

Author: aLmich

I'm posting this kse tuwa lang ako sa gawa ko.

Many people would like to be able to do things they picture out of their minds but can hardly execute it. And I'm just so happy there's this one thing I can now busy myself with.

Salamat sa adobe!

Pampatanggal stress!


 

> why bLog?

Author: aLmich



I was talking a little about blogging today and I was mentioning to this 2 friends how some people blog about everything -- cam whoring, pictures of food, daily activities, conversations with friends and *er, more cam whoring. They totally don’t understand blogging. Actually the idea of blogging, or broadcasting of thoughts, it’s sometimes just for this feeling of satisfaction, of encouragement, of someone caring about what you do.

I blog for a mixture of reasons. But one of the main reason is satisfaction. I get thrilled to see visitors and it makes me happy that the article I posted actually helped them. I used to post more personal stuff but after a while I just realized that nobody’s really interested I guess.


Eventually I switched to funny stuff that I see everyday that made me smile. And I want to remember the moments that I feel happy seeing a YouTube video, angry that the world isn’t fair, proud when people find my posts useful.

And thus I blog. It’s hard to describe the feeling. I just concluded to them that they should try it. Try blogging for a little while, get your friends to see your blog. It’s quite a good feeling for me and it may be for you too.


I'm glad Nates is starting his own now.

 

> iyaKin ako ngayOn

Author: aLmich

Sometimes I just can't help but cry
When I think of what we've become
Like a soldier lost in the night
Forgetting all where he has come from
But the mud will soon become dry
And the sun will rise again
And the shadows in our eyes
Will fade away down to lower plains
Cause' You have one wing and I have another
Seeking shelter like sister and brother
Through the winter and through the summer
Like one angel we'll Fly far away
Nates just called me now. I'm at work but I took his call. Didn't mind if I'll be caught. What can I do? I miss the guy... I miss his presence and understanding ear. I'm through a lot now and his voice will surely help me soothe everything away.
Kakabaliw... masaya ako pero naiyak na naman ako... When I saw his pix sa friendster, I cried.
I hope I'm making sense here, I hope people can still understand. I just hope...

 


The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has finally handed down its verdict on the plunder case against former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada today September 12, 2007.



Estrada was found “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” of plunder and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or jail of up to 40 years however, Estrada was found not guilty of the perjury charges against him. The former president’s son, Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and lawyer Edwardo Serapio on the other hand, was found innocent of the charges.


Estrada is charged with plunder, which is made up of four counts of corruption, involving diversion of funds amounting to about P4 billion ($85 million). He was also charged with perjury.
The charges include taking commissions in the purchase of shares by government insurance funds, payoffs from gambling lords, diverting tobacco taxes for personal use and maintaining a bank account under a false name. The perjury charge relates to misrepresentation on earned income.


In the meantime, the court allowed Estrada to return to his Tanay, Rizal resthouse, instead of being hauled off to jail.

 

> jusT tireD and wasTed

Author: aLmich

I am really tired of going through the same routine day in and day out. I am just tired and burnt out. This job is just mind numbing and nerve wrecking.

There is no real happiness for me anymore, and it looks like a vacation to escape from work would be something I should be really considering. I want something that I can be more relaxing because I've been doing this for the past [4 years? - 5 years?], I am tired of it.


I’ve applied for many jobs in the interim. Had some interviews but didn't pursue. Either its not paying well or too many of the questions I've asked didn't get answers.

I come in to work, already fed up even before I walk in the door. The thrill of coming to work is not there anymore. Its like getting a new game- you play it and play it until you get fed up of it and the thrill is gone. I am still continuing on my ”quest” to get through each day but my mind is cursing everything that comes my way.


*Paksyet!

 

Where we see, but we don’t see, where we cry, laugh, sing, dance, but don’t remember why. Is it for an interest, for a familiarity with another? For that enjoyment? pleasure? pain?
I cannot figure it out, how a person can feel pleasure from pain. But, then again, I shouldn’t be one to talk. The oppressor cannot and will not admit to what he does, yet, everyone around him knows… they know that what he does is wrong, and will not stand up, fight, die, revolutionize on behalf of the oppressed.

Do you see it? your inability to speak?
You will not acknowledge how you are, you will not claim you beliefs and suffer the consequences, you will not accept or allow foreign ideas into your mind or life, you will not hear it, yet you express what you feel is the only right.
Call me a hypocrit if you wish, but know that I have you figured out: you’re comfortable, unnaccepting and often-times critical of others, but no, you do not admit it, you do not swear by it, you just talk talk talk, hoping that the world listens and agrees. But, when one dissagrees, stomp them down! they aren’t worth your time.

We inhale this stench, only to forget it, stop your face from contorting! you do not smell anything, hear anything, see anything. Blind eyes, all of you!, closed noses! how can you breathe?! how can you not acknowledge your surroundings this way?! forget it.
tell yourself, “forget it”.

I admire your strength, and detest your indifference. not only you, but them as well. no voices, only the buzzing, buzzing like worker bees, drones, following, acting, only from the hormones, instincts.
How can this be? that we are human without humanity. No longer do we feel, or act, or love, or hate, or smell, or sense anything, we are stone, no, not stone, I am too kind to offend them that way. we are shit. feces, the putrescence of the earth, rotting away, eroding our surroundings, and we smell, the aroma of our skin decaying under the sun. We ignore it, avoid it, refuse to acknowledge it still, until we are, truly, the shit that we excrete, sunspots, liverspots, melanoma, cancer, aids, hiv, all those, from our own, and we still refuse to see it, smell it.
Sanitize your surroundings now!
you cannot bear it!

exterminate!
the ingrates!
it’s all their fault!

they are more close to shit than we are! stop them!
how close does this sound?
don’t stop me.
because you know,
that even though, I smell too,
you will not acknowledge me either.
And I will rot away, just as you do, but I will go, enlightened of my world,
just
how
I
left
it.

 

> i'm tiRed of you EJ!

Author: aLmich

It has been going on for a month now. I can't penetrate on my calls, can't judge my contacts correctly, can't say the correct words, rebuttals... Haaaaa!!! I'm just too tired. I feel like retiring.

What burdens me most is the fact that I don't like some of the people I work with. Especially that damn Exorcist Ju-on! How dare him! Doesn't he know that he look like QUASIMODO walang MODO?

Even if you love your work, there will be times when it no longer fills you with passion and energy. You feel emotionally exhausted and cynical. Your health suffers as stress mounts. You wonder whether you have the resources, internal or external, to meet your responsibilities.

Callcenter people like us are especially prone to burnout in this hyperconnected world. That damn headset’s always around, waiting with calls at the ready.

I know that burnout is as much about your dreams as it is about your work, because burnout is the gap between your expectations and your ability to meet them. But the thought of these people trying to be somebody, doing power trips and being that oh so panget all the while exhaust me. Punyeta!

Whew! I need a breather. I just need it please!

 

> ziT ranT

Author: aLmich

I have an enormous pimple on my forehead.

I'm not that young anymore and I still get zits.

I think it's worse when your skin is otherwise relatively clear and you've just got that one big honkin' zit right smack dab in the middle of your face. Though... it's really more like on the right, not so much the centre. But the point is, no amount of concealer is going to cover that thing 'cause it just comes off as this bump on your face that wasn't there the day before... or maybe it was but it's just bigger today and more noticeable.

And maybe the smart thing to do would be to leave it and let it go away on its own instead of maybe aggravating the situation further by adding makeup onto it, but at this age, you'd think your body would just cut you a break already and leave the zits behind.

I may not be making sense here I know but that's what I fel like writing. And these type of feelings have hurt people too. I am sorry for at times I just write what I feel like writing. Maybe we could just settle on the fact that I'm not that bad pa naman.

So I wanna take this opportunity to say sorry to those na nasaktan ko through these rants.

To nates, rain and everyone, sorry talaga.

I miss you and I love you always.

 

> saTurday's parTy

Author: aLmich

Saturday night's party was a blast: plenty of good people, good food, good drinks and of course, good conversations.
Mangyans from oriental and occidental swarmed the place.
So much praises had been said pero salamat talaga kay Ate Erlynn.
I wish to write more about the party pero I feel so drained.
Let the pictures do the works then.

 

> the secreT

Author: aLmich

You ever have one of those mornings where you just feel like... like you're not okay, but you can't put your finger on why you're not okay. It's not that you're sad or angry or irritated... you're just not happy.

Who knows? Maybe it's a bit of boredom, too...and maybe a touch of fear that maybe things will always stay the same and nothing will ever move forward.

See, the thing is, even though listening to those people on Oprah talk about "The Secret" was kind of inspiring, it just feels so bloody hard to lift yourself out of a blah mood and to stop yourself from thinking, "I don't want to do this. I don't want to be here."

I always think about that Gwyneth Paltrow movie, "Sylvia", and that one scene where she's talking to a friend and you can tell she's in this really bad place in her mind. It's just the way she talks, you know? That dull acceptance of how weary her life is... it's so different from just being depressed, because it's like this whole other layer of defeat.

I guess I'm not really making all that much sense right now.

It's Ate Erlynns baby shower and birthday party and baste batch mates are coming... so I'd rather try perking up...

My pinsans : Olee, Ron, On and Pet are online now and we're on a conference... I guess that's one thing I should be happy about right?

I just have to keep telling myself that it's just one bad day... just one bad day to get through...

*wink

 

> viva caLingasan!

Author: aLmich

Weird as it may seem but I haven't met some of my cousins since birth.. salamat sa technology nagkakila-kilala kami.. here's a pic of what took place last week..




I'll be updating more of what have beens next time..

 




I'm kinda feeling barfy this afternoon when i woke up.

Well... every afternoon for the past week, I've woken up and dry heaved into the sink. Today I actually threw up and it oddly made me feel a little better.

Yeah, so I think that it's better for me to dial things back a bit, 'cause I feel like I'm a little too open and honest and blabbermouth-like when it comes to things in my life. It gets embarrassing when things don't work out.

*sigh

I don't know.

When a friend called last night, I just didn't feel like getting into anything and I was sort of distracted when she was telling me about how she'd finally met her boyfriend's mother.

I should be happy for her, right?

Then how come all I feel is nothing [except the urge to barf all the time]?

You want to know what the weirdest thing is? It's not like I feel depressed and unhappy. I just feel like... nothing.

It's a weird state to be in.

I mean, I haven't even had anything to bitch and moan about in my journal... and usually, I always have something to bitch and moan about.

Earlier, when I went to ML for Ate's kwarta padala, I almost freaked out sa teller sa daming kaartehan. Good thing I managed to be composed. I don't even know the person who sent Ate the money and to avoid so many more questions from the teller, when asked how am I related to the sender, I replied - Boyfriend ko. [ *nagulat ang mga tao! ha ha ha ]. What I'm gonna do? kse tatanungin pa kung bakit di pareho apelido namin kung sasabihin kong kamag-anak ko siya at marami at marami pa. Eh kung boyfriend? eh di malicious smile lang *he he he. The hell I care.

I was listening to this song the other night --- I'm almost embarrassed to mention it, but it was from that Canadian Idol winner, Melissa O'Neill, and it was her first single.

I actually found myself listening to it and thinking, "Yeah. She makes sense. You've just got to put yourself out there, 'cause even if you fall down, at least you'll know you tried."

I don't know.

Maybe I'm seriously cracking up.





And oo nga pala, aliw ako gumawa ng mga layouts these days. Here's one.

 

> basTe '98 : inuMan na!

Author: aLmich
 

> RSVP

Author: aLmich